Operation & Maintenance Engineer

Position: Operation and Maintenance Engineer
Reports to: Operations Manager / Maintenance Manager

Role Overview:
The Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Engineer is responsible for overseeing the ongoing operations and maintenance of solar power systems. This includes managing the performance, reliability, and safety of solar projects post-commissioning. With 10 years of experience, including 8 years in similar roles within the solar or renewable energy industry, the O&M Engineer ensures that the solar power plants are efficiently managed and well-maintained to maximize energy generation and system lifespan.
Key Responsibilities:
1. O&M Strategy & Planning:
• Develop and implement operation and maintenance strategies for solar power systems to ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity.
• Create and manage maintenance schedules, including preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance tasks, for all electrical and mechanical systems within the solar installations.
• Oversee the preparation of annual maintenance plans and budgets to ensure effective resource allocation and cost management.
2. Performance Monitoring & Optimization:
• Monitor the performance of solar power systems using SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, data loggers, and other monitoring tools.
• Analyze performance data to identify underperforming areas or potential issues, providing recommendations for optimization and troubleshooting.
• Perform root cause analysis on system inefficiencies or failures and implement corrective actions to improve system performance.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations of solar inverters, PV modules, batteries, and other components, ensuring systems meet operational targets and energy output.
3. Preventive and Corrective Maintenance:
• Manage and conduct regular preventive maintenance activities for solar energy systems, including cleaning PV modules, inspecting electrical systems, and servicing inverters.
• Respond to faults, system failures, and emergency maintenance requests, diagnosing issues and implementing corrective actions promptly.
• Coordinate with the maintenance team to ensure that all maintenance work is completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to system operations.
4. Safety and Compliance Management:
• Ensure that all O&M activities comply with safety regulations and industry standards (e.g., IEC, OSHA, NEC), including proper handling of electrical systems, inverters, and high-voltage equipment.
• Lead safety audits, risk assessments, and safety training sessions to promote a culture of safety within the maintenance team and on-site personnel.
• Ensure all operational practices are environmentally responsible and comply with local regulations concerning environmental impact and sustainability.
5. Troubleshooting and Fault Resolution:
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for electrical and mechanical faults, including identifying faults in PV modules, inverters, transformers, wiring, and other components.
• Provide technical support for the diagnosis and resolution of issues, including collaboration with manufacturers and external contractors when necessary.
• Perform fault analysis to identify root causes and recommend corrective and preventive actions to avoid recurrence.
6. Documentation & Reporting:
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, performance data, testing, and system inspections, ensuring all documentation is up-to-date and accessible.
• Generate detailed reports on system performance, maintenance activities, and fault resolution for both internal stakeholders and clients.
• Provide regular updates to the Operations Manager or Maintenance Manager on the status of solar installations, including upcoming maintenance tasks, system performance, and any issues that need attention.
7. Spare Parts & Inventory Management:
• Oversee the procurement and management of spare parts, tools, and equipment necessary for the maintenance and repair of solar systems.
• Ensure that the required spare parts are readily available to minimize system downtime and ensure that all parts are stored properly and maintained in good condition.
• Work with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials and equipment, maintaining an inventory that supports the efficient operation of the solar systems.
8. Team Management & Coordination:
• Supervise, train, and mentor the O&M team, ensuring they are well-equipped to perform maintenance tasks and respond to system failures effectively.
• Coordinate with other departments (e.g., engineering, project management, and procurement) to ensure the smooth operation of solar power plants.
• Ensure that the O&M team adheres to all safety protocols and operational guidelines when working on-site.
9. Client Relations and Support:
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders to provide updates on system performance, address concerns, and offer recommendations for system improvements.
• Offer technical support and training to clients on operational procedures, system troubleshooting, and the importance of preventive maintenance.
• Provide clients with regular performance reports, maintenance schedules, and any updates or issues related to their solar energy systems.
Key Competencies
• Solar Systems Expertise – In-depth knowledge of PV modules, inverters, batteries, and electrical systems.
• Performance Monitoring – Proficient in SCADA and energy management tools to optimize system performance.
• Maintenance Strategy – Expertise in planning and managing preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance.
• Fault Diagnosis – Strong problem-solving skills for troubleshooting electrical and mechanical faults.
• Safety & Compliance – Knowledge of industry standards and ability to implement safety protocols.
• Team Leadership – Ability to supervise, train, and coordinate with maintenance teams.
• Client Support – Strong communication skills for client interaction and technical support.
• Documentation & Reporting – Organized in maintaining accurate records and generating performance reports.
• Inventory Management – Skilled in managing spare parts procurement and minimizing system downtime.
• Analytical Skills – Strong ability to analyze system performance and implement corrective actions.

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Qualifications & Experience:
• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related field.
• Additional certifications in O&M, solar energy, or project management are beneficial.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operations and maintenance within the solar or renewable energy industry, with at least 8 years in similar roles.
• Proven experience in the O&M of large-scale solar power systems, including PV modules, inverters, battery storage systems, and electrical distribution.
• Strong knowledge of solar system performance monitoring, fault detection, and optimization techniques.
• Skills:
• Expertise in solar energy system operation, including inverters, batteries, and PV modules.
• In-depth knowledge of maintenance practices, including preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance methods.
• Proficiency in SCADA systems, monitoring tools, and energy management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize solar energy systems.
• Excellent organizational, reporting, and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage a team, train personnel, and coordinate across multiple departments.
• Other Requirements:
• Familiarity with industry standards, codes, and regulations related to the operation and maintenance of solar power plants.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental best practices in solar energy systems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet project deadlines.
• Willingness to